Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She took up the sport in Tehran, shadow-boxing in the parks or discreetly in boxing rings as women are not allowed to box in Iran.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2023

A lengthy bit of shadow-boxing ends when the black pawn finally advances: 84.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2019

“They were shadow-boxing a lot of the time,” recalled William vanden Heuvel, a key Kennedy aide who was close to King as well.

From Reuters • Mar. 27, 2018

Bob Dylan referenced him in the 1964 song “I Shall Be Free No. 10” with the lyric, “I was shadow-boxing earlier in the day / I figured I was ready for Cassius Clay.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2016

A day ago I was regular Ali, throwing jabs in the shower and shadow-boxing my own reflection in my mother's mirror.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds